take the little pink plastic thimble, put a cup of water in the microwave for 1-2 minutes...take cup out and drop thimble in cup to count to 30.... take out....is it a tiny bit pliable? if not drop back in for another 30 seconds.... now fish out with spoon and place on correct finger right away.... hold tight (a bit too tight is just right...it will relax after forming) with other fingers.... now hold till totally cool and then release to check... this can be done over and over till you get it perfect.... the packages about 30 years ago actually gave us these instructions but i have noticed that it's not there any longer... i wear a size 5 ring and these are the only thimbles that fit really well... this takes care of all the various shapes of anyone's fingers and is well worth the 10 minutes of experimenting and then finishing.... ps...re-read.... do not cook thimble, just the water....